Elbert "Bill" William Stratton

Elbert William "Bill" Stratton, 79, of Valley Center, Kansas, passed away the morning of Tuesday, October 20, 2026. He was born April 21, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, to Elbert Edward and Wilhelmina "Helen" (Zwak) Stratton.

Bill was raised in Wichita until his father died when he was 8. Bill, his mother and his sister Shari then moved in with his grandparents, John and Anna Zwak, in Sioux City, Iowa. His grandfather became a father figure and lifelong mentor. He taught Bill that no one can ever take away your education. When Bill was 14 his mother remarried and the family moved to Granville, Iowa. He graduated from Floyd Valley High School in Alton, Iowa, in 1966.

After a year of college Bill served four years in the U.S. Air Force in Germany. When he got out he moved to Wichita. His sister Shari and her husband Phil introduced him to Susan Ann Eberhart. They married December 28, 1974, in Wichita. Bill was devoted to Susan and would do anything for her.

Early in his marriage, Bill decided to heed his grandfather's advice and complete his education. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from Wichita State University and went on to work for Learjet/Bombardier for 39 years.

As his family grew, Bill fiercely loved his kids and grandkids and enthusiastically supported them in their sports and activities, often representing the Valley Center Hornets. He also enjoyed fishing, travel, the Kansas City Chiefs and KU Jayhawks basketball.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan; children Stacy (Aaron) Alexander and Brian (Lacey) Stratton; grandchildren Andrew "Drew" Alexander, Allison "Alli" Alexander, Anna Stratton, Kate Stratton and Joel Stratton; sisters Shari (Phil) Zongker and Jodie (Jeff) Harper. He was preceded in death by his father Elbert Stratton; his mother Helen (Zwak) Auchstetter; and his brother Tony Auchstetter.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2026, at Valley Center United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Valley Center Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a reception at the church after the burial. In lieu of flowers, to honor Bill's loyal support of the local community and youth activities, donations may be made to the Valley Center USD 262 Athletics/Activities Department in care of Petersen Funeral Home.